A FORMER UKIP member who became Britain's first transsexual MEP has been charged with money laundering.

Nikki Sinclaire, who lost her seat as MEP for the West Midlands in May, was arrested in February 2012 as part of an inquiry into the expenses scandal.

Openly gay Ms Sinclaire, 45, was elected as a UKIP MEP in June 2009 and came third in the contest to succeed Nigel Farage as party leader later that year.

But she had the whip withdrawn in 2010 for refusing to sit with the party's Italian allies Liga Nord in the European Parliament and accused the party of being homophobic.

She won a claim for sex discrimination against her former colleagues at an employment tribunal and stood for her own "We Demand A Referendum Now" party at the European elections.

Ms Sinclaire was born male but had gender reassignment surgery on the NHS 19 years ago.

She will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court in September charged with money laundering and misconduct in a public office.

West Midlands Police said the charges relate to claims she made false and dishonest submissions for travel expenses and transferred the proceeds of fraud through a bank account in her name.

A spokesperson for the force said: "The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1 October 2009 and 31 July 2010 when Ms Sinclaire was a serving Member of the European Parliament.

"The 45-year-old, of Velsheda Road, Shirley, was originally arrested on 22 February 2012 and has since been on police bail.

"Three other members of the public were also arrested but will face no further action.

"Throughout the investigation West Midlands Police has been working jointly with officers from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)."

Ms Sinclaire strongly refutes the charges [SWNS.com]

Simon Orme, Specialist Lawyer with the CPS Special Crime Division, said: "The CPS has authorised West Midlands Police to charge Ms Nicole Sinclaire, former MEP for the West Midlands, with the offences of money laundering and misconduct in public office.

"It is alleged that between October 2009 and July 2010, whilst serving as an MEP, Ms Sinclaire used funds paid into her bank account by the European Parliament in respect of false travelling expenses claims.

"Ms Sinclaire has also been charged with Misconduct in a Public Office with regard to her actions."

Ms Sinclaire today said she was "disappointed" that the police had charged her with money laundering offences.

In a statement she said: "I am disappointed that the police have chosen to charge me with the above offences without questioning me on them, after a two and a half year investigation.

"The charges relate to my time as a UKIP MEP when I was under the guidance and oversight by the party in the Parliament. This will prove pivotal in resolving the matter.

"During my time as an MEP I put in more than £120,000 of my salary into the cost of my work activities

"It was also me, who in 2010, drew the attention of the West Midlands Police, to irregularities I discovered had taken place, without my knowledge, in my UKIP office.

"I strongly refute these charges and will be firmly defending myself. I am certain I shall be found innocent of these ludicrous and unfounded accusations."

Comments Unavailable

Sorry, we are unable to accept comments about this article
at the moment. However, you will find some great articles
which you can comment on right now in our
Comment section.